Discovering the basics of ‘active touch’

Discovering the basics of ‘active touch’Working with genetically engineered mice — and especially their whiskers — researchers report they have identified a group of nerve cells in the skin responsible for what they call ‘active touch,’ a combination of motion and sensory feeling needed to navigate the external world. The discovery of this basic sensory mechanism advances the search for better ‘smart’ prosthetics for people, ones that provide more natural sensory feedback to the brain during use.Working with genetically engineered mice — and especially their whiskers — researchers report they have identified a group of nerve cells in the skin responsible for what they call ‘active touch,’ a combination of motion and sensory feeling needed to navigate the external world. The discovery of this basic sensory mechanism advances the search for better ‘smart’ prosthetics for people, ones that provide more natural sensory feedback to the brain during use.